Miami Dolphins stadium plan achieves May referendum

MIAMI -- The Miami Dolphins say they've reached an agreement with the Miami-Dade county mayor to hold a referendum on a plan to use hotel taxes to help pay for a nearly $400 million upgrade to the team's stadium.

Public money would be used for about 30 percent of the project, which also requires approval by the Florida Legislature.

The referendum will be held in May, shortly before league owners are expected to choose the host for the 50th Super Bowl. Miami and San Francisco are the finalists.

The Dolphins and NFL say stadium upgrades are needed to keep the city competitive in bidding for Super Bowls. Miami has hosted the title game 10 times.

The Dolphins are asking for $3 million a year from Florida and increasing mainland hotel taxes in Miami-Dade.